This innovative tool has been around for years—in various forms. It’s a professional version of a household grater, but it’s inexpensive enough to become a staple in any kitchen. Its fine gating surface makes it ideal to use for whole spices, such as nutmeg, and it works beautifully on hard cheeses and chocolate. Its most common use

is making zest from citrus fruit. The brand I prefer is Microplane—unlike some that consist entirely of a grating surface, this one has a rubberized handle, providing a good grip.